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APPENDIX B Sample of Self-Evaluation Checklist
Inclusion Handbook
APPENDIX B
Sample of Self-Evaluation Checklist
Self-Evaluation Checklist for Grantees
The following checklist is designed to allow grantees to readily assess
major architectural features and facilities for accessibility. The checklist
is intended to allow grantees, when walking through their facilities and
those of subgrantees, or when visiting potential locations for meetings,
conferences, training sessions, or events, to evaluate some of the most
basic elements of accessibility without having to actually measure
distances, slopes, forces, etc. Note: This is not a full self-evaluation, nor
will it ensure legal compliance. It will give you a snapshot of the
accessibility of a facility.
Outside the Building
Persons with mobility and vision impairments need accessible routes
smooth, non-slip, no protrusions or overhangs that can trip or
bump them - from parking area, street, and/or bus stop. Persons with
many types of physical impairments need parking spaces near
entrances because walking distances are difficult or dangerous for
them. Persons using wheelchairs or other mobility aids need parking
spaces with an access aisle for opening car doors and loading/unload­
ing equipment. Steps at the entrance to the building can be a barrier
for persons with different types of mobility impairments.
Route:

Is the route to the entrance from parking or street smooth, not

gravel, with no grade changes of more than 1/2, and no

lengthwise grates more than 1/2 wide where wheelchairs

could get stuck? Is the route wide enough for a wheelchair

36? (Think yardstick.) Are there curb cuts, with gently flared

sides, where needed and usable? (Think through the route

someone using a wheelchair would have to travel.) Are there

no protrusions or overhanging tree limbs not detectable by a

cane? (Think a basketball player using a cane.)

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Parking:

Are accessible spaces reserved nearest the accessible entrance

and on an accessible route? Is an accessibility symbol on the

space mounted high enough so its not hidden by a parked

vehicle? Is there an access aisle next to the space that is flat

and 5 wide? (Think average person, with arms outstretched, is

6 across.) Is there an accessible route from the access aisle to

the sidewalk or other accessible route?

Entrance:

Is a principle entrance located on an accessible route? Is the

entrance not a revolving door or turnstile? Is there a flat sur­
face on both sides of the door for maneuvering a wheelchair?

Is the door width at least 32? (Think yardstick minus two

closed fists.) Is door hardware at a level reachable by some­
one using a wheelchair and is it push/pull or lever operated?

Is there no more than 1/2 threshold? Does the door require

no more that 8.5 lbs of force to open? (Think opening your

refrigerator door.) If there are steps, is there also a ramp to

access the entrance? Is the ramp gently sloped, with handrails,

no drop-offs, smooth surfaced with a level top and bottom

platforms for resting and turning? Are doormats attached to

the floor at all four corners? (Think trip hazards.)

Inside the Building
Persons who walk with difficulty or use wheelchairs, crutches, canes, or
walkers need a wide, smooth, level, and firm surface. Persons who are
sight-impaired need a path free of hazards. Persons with upper-body
impairments need non-twist knobs, handles, and doors that are not
too heavy. Persons with hearing impairments need visual elevator
controls and persons with vision impairments need audible ones.
Persons with mobility impairments need restrooms that they can get
to and use easily and safely, and stairs with uniform tread, width, and
handrails which guide them and indicate landings.
Route:

Is there an accessible route connecting all parts of the facility

that is wide enough for a wheelchair 36? (Think yardstick.

Dont forget about temporary barriers like boxes and chairs.)

Is carpeting low-pile, tightly woven, and securely fastened

along edges? Are doors at least 32 wide? (Think yardstick

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minus two closed fists.) Is door hardware at a level reachable
by someone using a wheelchair and is it push/pull or lever in
your house.) Are there no protrusions or overhanging
obstructions not detectable by a cane? (Think a basketball
player using a cane.)
Elevators/Stairs:
Elevators provide adequate maneuvering space, time to get to
and enter the cab, are conveniently located, have tactile con­
trols, and both audible and visual indicators for direction of
travel and floors. Elevator controls are reachable by a person
using a wheelchair, doors remain open at least 3 seconds, and
elevator stops within 1/2 when stopping at floor. Stair step
heights are uniform, depths are uniform and at least 11, and
there are no overhangs greater than 1-1/2. Handrails are con­
tinuous from top to bottom floor, without stopping at land­
ings.
Restrooms:
At least one is on an accessible route and identified by an
accessibility symbol. Doors are 32 wide with non-twist knobs
and handles. They include adequate maneuvering space as
persons enter, either restroom or stalls (preferably 5 x 5).
Toilet height (17 19) and located no more than 18 from
center of toilet to closest wall. (Think tile dimensions:4 x 4, 4
x 6, or 8 x 8.) Urinals have elongated rims and clear floor
space in front. Fixtures are located so they are usable by a per­
son using a wheelchair.
Emergency Warning Signals:
Are both visual (flashing) and audible warning signals provid­
ed?
Assembly, Meeting, and Conference Areas:
Are level wheelchair spaces available on an accessible route,
with a variety of unobstructed views of the stage? Are auxil­
iary listening systems, volume controls, wireless headphones,
infrared audio loops, and radio frequency available for persons
with hearing impairments?
Drinking Fountains:
Are they low enough so someone using a wheelchair can use
them? (Think 36 or a yardstick.) Is there access space in front?
Are the controls operable with one hand without grasping or
twisting?
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Telephones:

Are public telephones located on an accessible route, with

clear floor space and low enough for use by a person using a

wheelchair? Do the phones have push button controls? Do

they offer volume controls? TTY service? Are telephones for

employees and participants modified to meet their specific

needs?

Picnic Areas:

Are tables available with one end extended or with a portion

of a bench removed that are on an accessible route? Are grills

and trash receptacles at an accessible height, and do grills

have rounded corners so they are not a safety hazard to visual­
ly impaired persons?

Exhibits, Signs, and Information Displays:

Are they adequately lighted, in high-contrast colors, in large,

easy-to-read print, and at levels where the material may be

read by short persons or persons using wheelchairs? Do tac­
tile objects allow persons with visual impairments to enjoy

exhibits and displays? Is audio information available to per­
sons with hearing impairments in some other format?

Note:
Especially when reserving hotel space, be aware that persons with dis­
abilities require a variety of services. Some require a TTY telephone.
Others require roll-in or sitting showers or lounge chairs instead of flat
beds. Some require accessible restroom facilities. Always notify meet­
ing, conference, or event participants that reasonable accommodations
will be provided upon request and provide a date and contact for
making such requests.
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